Zero-commission platform combines AI-powered tools, integrated shipping, and automated tax handling to help fishing industry brands “sell more with less effort”
Prospect, Kentucky – July 9, 2025 – Ridgerunner, a purpose-built commerce platform designed specifically for the outdoor industry, today announced its official launch targeting the fishing community with a comprehensive solution that eliminates commission fees while providing enterprise-level e-commerce tools. The platform addresses the unique challenges facing fishing gear manufacturers, retailers, and outdoor enthusiasts by offering branded storefronts, AI-powered optimization, and automated compliance, all without the commission structures that have historically limited profitability for outdoor brands.
Zero Commission, Maximum Control
Unlike traditional marketplace platforms that charge substantial commission fees, Ridgerunner operates on a zero-commission model, allowing fishing brands to retain 100% of their profits while gaining access to a global marketplace of outdoor enthusiasts. This approach enables fishing gear manufacturers and retailers to scale their businesses without sacrificing revenue to platform fees.
“The fishing industry has been underserved by generic e-commerce platforms that don’t understand our unique needs,” said Adam Gifford, Founder and CEO, Ridgerunner. “We built Ridgerunner specifically for outdoor brands like fishing gear manufacturers who need professional tools, industry-specific features, and the ability to maintain their brand identity while reaching a global audience.”
AI-Powered Simplicity Meets Professional Results
Ridgerunner’s proprietary AI technology, Ridgerunner AI™, automatically handles the technical complexities that often overwhelm fishing industry sellers on traditional platforms. The system manages SEO optimization, product tagging, and image formatting to ensure fishing gear listings achieve maximum visibility and conversion rates without requiring technical expertise from sellers.
Key platform features include:
- Branded Storefronts: Custom domain names (yourstore.com) with professional design tools
- AI Optimization: Automated SEO, product categorization, and image enhancement
- Integrated Marketing: Built-in email and SMS campaign tools without external app requirements
- Streamlined Shipping: Integrated label printing, order tracking, and flexible shipping rules
- Automated Tax Compliance: Automatic sales tax calculation, collection, and remittance across US states
- Global Marketplace Exposure: Access to outdoor-focused customer base actively shopping for fishing gear
“Fishing brands need a platform that understands their customers’ needs and seasonal patterns,” said Dale Browning
Addressing Industry-Specific Pain Points
The fishing industry faces unique e-commerce challenges, from seasonal demand fluctuations to complex product variations and specialized customer knowledge requirements. Ridgerunner addresses these challenges with features designed specifically for outdoor gear sales:
- Quick Setup for Busy Seasons: Fishing brands can create professional storefronts and import existing inventory in minutes, crucial for capitalizing on peak fishing seasons.
- Smart Product Discovery: The platform’s outdoor-focused marketplace ensures fishing gear reaches engaged customers actively seeking outdoor equipment, rather than competing for attention among millions of unrelated products.
- Flexible Shipping Solutions: Fishing gear often requires specialized shipping considerations for rods, reels, and bulk tackle orders. Ridgerunner’s integrated shipping tools accommodate these unique requirements with customizable rules and carrier integrations.
- Data-Driven Growth Tools
- Ridgerunner provides fishing brands with comprehensive analytics typically available only to large e-commerce operations:
- Product Performance Tracking: Identify best-selling fishing gear categories and optimize inventory
- Customer Behavior Analysis: Understand purchase patterns and build targeted offers for fishing enthusiasts
- Campaign Results Monitoring: Track email and SMS marketing effectiveness with revenue attribution
- Market Insights: Access detailed customer data and shopping behaviors specific to outdoor industry purchasing
“We built Ridgerunner specifically for outdoor brands like fishing gear manufacturers who need professional tools, industry-specific features, and the ability to maintain their brand identity while reaching a global audience,” Adam Gifford.
Industry Timing and Market Opportunity
The launch comes as the fishing industry experiences significant growth, with outdoor recreation participation reaching record levels. The American Sportfishing Association reports that fishing contributes over $125 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with e-commerce becoming an increasingly important sales channel for fishing gear purchases.
“Fishing brands need a platform that understands their customers’ needs and seasonal patterns,” said Dale Browning, CFO, Ridgerunner. “Generic marketplaces treat fishing gear like any other product, but outdoor enthusiasts have specific requirements and expectations that specialized platforms like Ridgerunner can better address.”
Trial Period and Onboarding Support
Ridgerunner offers fishing brands a trial period to experience the platform’s capabilities without commitment. The company provides dedicated onboarding support to help fishing gear sellers optimize their storefronts and maximize their success on the platform.
Interested fishing brands can schedule consultations to discuss their specific needs and learn how Ridgerunner’s features address common industry challenges around inventory management, seasonal marketing, and customer acquisition.
About Ridgerunner
Ridgerunner.com is a purpose-built commerce platform designed specifically for the outdoor industry. Founded to address the unique needs of outdoor brands, Ridgerunner combines zero-commission selling with enterprise-level e-commerce tools, AI-powered optimization, and automated compliance features. The platform serves fishing gear manufacturers, hunting equipment brands, camping gear retailers, and other outdoor industry businesses seeking to grow their online presence while maintaining brand control and maximizing profitability.
Ridgerunner is building enterprise technology to transform the industry we love. Ridgerunner is proud to be recognized by NVIDIA (an American technology company best known for designing and manufacturing graphics processing units (GPUs). As a high-profile startup isn’t just an honor or a measure or our ability —it’s a powerful alliance. Their support affirms our vision that advanced technologies like AI have the potential to revolutionize how outdoor DTC commerce works at scale.
Being recognized by NVIDIA indicates a certain level of accomplishment, expertise, or alignment with the company’s initiatives in the fields of accelerated computing, graphics, and artificial intelligence. For more information about Ridgerunner, visit https://icast.ridgerunner.com.
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